I realize I might be opening up a controversial conversation. But I think it has to be said.And I hope you’ll hear me out.
If the church is going to reverse some trends and maximize potential, we need more entrepreneurial pastors, not more shepherds.
There’s too much at stake to ignore this conversation.
Not just entrepreneurial pastors, but entrepreneurial Christians. The quote above is from an article by Carey Nieuwhof (link below), and it immediately resonated with me. At the same time, it greatly saddened me.
30 Second Evangelism is a new, entrepreneurial approach to evangelism. I get up everyday giddy with what we see the Lord doing and how He is doing it. I'm meeting other entrepreneurial Christians who are also impacting the world in fresh and exciting new ways, and we hope to partner with some of them in the future.
But as I look around, the number of Christians who are willing to allow the Lord to meld traditional teachings with fresh avenues to reach people is frustratingly small. Many of them don't have a problem adapting new technology and thought processes on the job, but when it comes to using these same methods for evangelism and discipleship, there is an invisible barrier to overcome. It is frustrating to me when I see so many of Christ's followers, with massive potential, not willing to push the envelope for the cause of Christ.
I've got a great wife, and some amazing (grown) children. I have traveled the world. I've cycled tens of thousands of miles in different parts of the country. I've had career experiences that I will treasure for the rest of my life. Even with all of that, the Christian life is the most exhilarating experience I've ever had!
You and I get to take the time-honored truth and power of scripture, and combine it with cutting-edge products and processes to reach the world for Jesus Christ! We have the freedom to step away from crusty old methods and implement new approaches. It's imperative we take this path if we're going to be effective in reaching the world, because the old ways are not working.
Examine your life experiences and ask the Lord to show you how He wants to use your entrepreneurial leanings to serve the lost in your circle of influence. You might be surprised by what He shows you (especially if you don't think you are entrepreneurial). I believe you will find a new level of excitement that's been missing in your life. Once you have experienced it, you'll never go back to old and boring again!
You can read the rest of Carey Nieuwhof's article here.
30 Second Evangelism is a new, entrepreneurial approach to evangelism. I get up everyday giddy with what we see the Lord doing and how He is doing it. I'm meeting other entrepreneurial Christians who are also impacting the world in fresh and exciting new ways, and we hope to partner with some of them in the future.
But as I look around, the number of Christians who are willing to allow the Lord to meld traditional teachings with fresh avenues to reach people is frustratingly small. Many of them don't have a problem adapting new technology and thought processes on the job, but when it comes to using these same methods for evangelism and discipleship, there is an invisible barrier to overcome. It is frustrating to me when I see so many of Christ's followers, with massive potential, not willing to push the envelope for the cause of Christ.
I've got a great wife, and some amazing (grown) children. I have traveled the world. I've cycled tens of thousands of miles in different parts of the country. I've had career experiences that I will treasure for the rest of my life. Even with all of that, the Christian life is the most exhilarating experience I've ever had!
You and I get to take the time-honored truth and power of scripture, and combine it with cutting-edge products and processes to reach the world for Jesus Christ! We have the freedom to step away from crusty old methods and implement new approaches. It's imperative we take this path if we're going to be effective in reaching the world, because the old ways are not working.
Examine your life experiences and ask the Lord to show you how He wants to use your entrepreneurial leanings to serve the lost in your circle of influence. You might be surprised by what He shows you (especially if you don't think you are entrepreneurial). I believe you will find a new level of excitement that's been missing in your life. Once you have experienced it, you'll never go back to old and boring again!
You can read the rest of Carey Nieuwhof's article here.